'Lorax' is repeat winner at weekend box office

"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," about the hazards of industrialized society, topped the North American box office for a second consecutive week, earning $39.1 million over the weekend, industry estimates showed Sunday.

The animated movie, featuring the voices of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, set a record last week for the highest non-sequel animated film debut, ahead of "The Incredibles," and since its opening has earned nearly $122 million.

Second place went to a newcomer from the Disney studios, "John Carter," a film based on books by "Tarzan" author Edgar Rice Burroughs. The film, about an ex-Civil War soldier magically transported to Mars who becomes a combatant in an ongoing war there, earned S30.6 million.

"Project X," a coarse comedy about a high school party that gets out of control, came in third place $11.6 million, according to the Exhibitor Relations film tracking company.

Horror film "Silent House" about a young woman trapped inside a eerie mansion was fourth with a little over $7 million.

"Act of Valor," a war film starring active duty US Navy SEALs, was in fifth place with $7 million in receipts.

Sixth place went to the debut of an Eddie Murphy comedy, "A Thousand Words," which earned $6.35 million.

CIA-based thriller "Safe House," starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, was seventh with $4.95 million in estimated weekend receipts.

Eighth place was won by romantic drama "The Vow" with $4 million in earnings.

"Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," a family-friendly 3D adventure starring former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, was ninth with $3.87 million.

In 10th place was "This Means War," a romantic action-comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, which earned $3.75 million.